GARDEN FOR SPINAL INJURIES CENTRE AWARDED ‘BEST IN SHOW’ AT CHELSEA
INSIDE:
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF AN INCREDIBLE SERVICE
GARDEN FOR SPINAL INJURIES CENTRE AWARDED ‘BEST IN SHOW’ AT CHELSEA
INSIDE:
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF AN INCREDIBLE SERVICE
In this edition we celebrate 75 years of the NHS and its founding principle of free, high-quality healthcare for all. At STH we are proud to have been at the forefront of many developments and innovations over the years, and that continues to this day. Indeed, in this edition you can read about some of the cutting edge research that is currently taking place into using artificial intelligence to identify heart damage, DNA repair to treat brain tumours and a supplement derived from tomatoes to help men with fertility problems. Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible knowledge, skills and experience of our staff, and we feature one family that has given three generations of service to the NHS and another colleague, Malcolm Littlewood, who has given an incredible 55 years of NHS service and was born in 1948, the same year as the NHS was founded. Happy Birthday NHS! Also featured in this edition is Horatio’s Garden, an accessible garden designed specifically for the needs of spinal injuries patients at the Princess
Royal Spinal Injuries Centre. The garden was displayed at Chelsea Flower Show, where it achieved the incredible accolade of Best in Show. This is a remarkable achievement and I can’t wait to see it in full bloom at the spinal injuries centre, where it will be relocated to in 2024. We are also very fortunate to have opened another beautiful outside space thanks to the support of our charity. The Secret Garden at the Northern General Hospital will be officially opened on the 75th birthday of the NHS but colleagues can enjoy the space now. We are also looking for a suitable space to develop at the central campus. There is also an update on our new electronic patient record system (EPR) to replace Lorenzo, and I am pleased to say that progress is continuing at pace.
The STHConnect2024 programme represents one of the biggest investments the Trust has made in 20 years, and the EPR we are purchasing is a tried and tested product supplied by Oracle Cerner.
We are now at the stage where we are working to configure the system to our requirements
and there will be lots of opportunities for all colleagues to be involved with this exciting change over the coming months and I would encourage you to take full advantage of this where you can.
I will finish by saying thank you to all of you for your professionalism, compassion and commitment even in the most challenging of times. I know a huge amount of work has been done over recent months to make progress on our recovery work, despite the disruptions we have faced from industrial action and the ongoing challenges of catching up with care that was affected by the pandemic. We still have more to do, but your efforts are making a difference.
Best wishes
Kirsten Kirsten Major Chief ExecutiveWe hope you will have seen, read or heard something about STH Connect2024, the clinically-led programme to implement a new Electronic Patient Record (EPR) across our Trust in October 2024. This will replace our current EPR, Lorenzo, as well as replacing or integrating many of the other systems we currently use. The aim of this will be to improve patient safety and experience, save time and, most importantly, solve many of the frustrations colleagues encounter with our present systems.
The programme represents one of the biggest investments the Trust has made in 20 years. The EPR we are purchasing is a tried and tested product supplied by Oracle Cerner, a world leader in this field, and it is already being used successfully at a number of other NHS Trusts. Over the months ahead many colleagues across the organisation will be involved in tailoring this product to our Trust’s
specific needs, so look out for opportunities to get involved and have your say. However, the technology itself is only one part of STH Connect2024. Even more important will be a standardisation of processes across the Trust – and with this we need everyone’s involvement and support. One way of achieving this will be through a ‘paper amnesty’ during which we will ask all colleagues to flag any paper forms currently in use that are not properly authorised. Only by knowing what paper forms are being used now will we be able to make sure that their purpose is fulfilled in the specifications for
Research carried out by our occupational therapy team and the University of Sheffield has shown benefits of occupational therapists using remote consultation technology to assess a patient's home environment without needing to be present at the property.
The remote technological solution, which was designed and tested pre-pandemic, enabled home assessments to be carried out more quickly, faster discharge, decreased staff travel time and it helped family members and carers, who do not always live near the relatives or loved ones, participate in assessments. Home visit assessments are undertaken by occupational therapists to ensure that patients are able to live as independent a life as possible through adaptations to their home environment, such as fitting handrails.
“Our findings provide a vital picture of how virtual home assessments are used, what public perceptions are and what barriers to implementation can be. We hope this insight will support future studies and enable clinicians to consider the advantages and challenges of using the technology in this way.”
the new EPR. Look out for more details over the coming weeks.
You may be wondering what this change will mean for your own role. Rest assured that we will be communicating about the programme in a number of ways that are focused on our different staff groups, and there is already a wealth of information on the intranet, but we will also be listening to your feedback, questions and ideas. STH Connect2024 is a journey we are all on together and, if we get it right, it can transform the way we provide care for the better.
We have produced a magazine highlighting some of the fantastic examples of improvement work led by you and your colleagues - our ‘Change Makers.’
It showcases brilliant ideas and innovations from colleagues at all levels and in different departments across the organisation. It really is inspiring and maybe will encourage you to pursue ideas in your own areas of work. Read it at Making a Difference strategy (sth.nhs.uk).
On the 5th July 1948, the National Health Service was born with a founding principle of free high quality health care for all. Over the last 75 years, the NHS has transformed the health and wellbeing of the nation and become the envy of the World. Healthcare has adapted to meet our changing needs and the ground breaking innovations of each decade are now taken for granted as being the way we deliver care.
Our Trust, and its predecessors, have always played a significant part in advancing healthcare by being at the forefront of many clinical and non-clinical breakthroughs through the years. In the last 12 months alone these have included developing a cutting-edge artificial intelligence tool which is able to spot heart damage in seconds, our patients becoming the first in the world to receive treatment on the latest version
of the Gamma Knife, a machine used to treat brain tumours and other brain conditions and STH becoming the first centre in South Yorkshire to deliver CAR-T cancer therapy, a revolutionary new treatment that uses the patient's own genetically modified cells to find and kill cancer cells.
The story of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and the wider NHS is one of evolution and of responding to the changing needs of the people we serve. The challenge of a growing and ageing population has never been greater but, year after year, all of the teams at STH rise to that challenge and continue to deliver safe, high quality care for our patients. What is incredible is that teams and colleagues are not content with just doing the ‘day job’ and instead seek out improvements and innovations in both clinical and non-clinical areas.
During the last few years the NHS has of
course faced its toughest challenges with the unprecedented demand of the pandemic. As we move forward it is incredible to see how far we have come thanks to the innovative work of the scientists who created the vaccines and above all the strength, bravery and determination of our colleagues to meet the needs of our patients at such a difficult time.
Looking to the future, the NHS is becoming more integrated and investing in new medicines, genetic research and artificial intelligence, but at the heart of all of these changes is always going to be the people who make up STH and the NHS. The NHS would simply not be possible without the skill, dedication and compassion of all our colleagues.
There are a wide range of ways for you to get involved with the NHS’s 75th birthday celebrations. Find out more at www.england.nhs.uk/nhsbirthday
A Secret Garden at the Northern General Hospital will officially open to coincide with the NHS's 75th anniversary.
The garden has transformed a piece of previously derelict land close to Vickers Corridor and the Peter Moorhead Dialysis Unit into a stunning outdoor sanctuary. It is already available to enjoy and provides a safe, quiet, relaxing space where staff can take a break or patients can come to support their recovery.
Chris Morley, Chief Nurse, said: “A garden such as this, which gives patients and staff somewhere to access nature, spend a period of calm and enjoy the outdoors is so important. This is such an exciting project that will make a huge difference to so many people.”
The garden has been funded by the Sheffield Hospitals Charity. To find out more about the project, please visit: Secret Garden Project | Sheffield Hospitals Charity
We will be celebrating by sharing stories from some of our STH colleagues to mark the big birthday.
Our first story features Maureen, a retired STH colleague who was the first of three generations of NHS workers and remembers life before the NHS…
Maureen Kirby, 84, from Hillsborough, was the first of three generations to have NHS careers. Maureen worked in the Theatre Surgical Sterile Unit (TSSU) at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital for 22 years and spent six years working at Middlewood Hospital in Laundry before that. Her daughter, Susan, who has over 40 years NHS service, also spent time working at the TSSU at the Hallamshire before going on to become a Consultant Anaesthetist in London. Maureen’s three granddaughters Laura, Emma and Amy also work at STH in Critical Care and Communications and have almost 40 years of service between them.
Other people in Maureen’s family who work in the NHS include her grandson Karl, who is a Operating Department Practitioner who has been working in the NHS since 2008, her niece Debbie who is PA to a Consultant at the Hallamsire Hospital, her daughter in law, Sue, who worked as a Receptionist at the Northern General
Metabolic Bone Unit for 16 years, her son-in-law, Andrew, who is a Professor Nephrologist and her grandson-in law, Rob, who is a GP.
Maureen said: “I can remember being a little girl and my mam having to pay a shilling for me to have a check up - if you didn’t have the money you had to go without, so I can fully appreciate what the NHS does for us all. It’s absolutely marvellous that we have these fantastic services which have saved the lives of my loved ones many times over the years for which I am truly thankful.
“I am proud to have worked at the Hallamshire for a big part of my working life, the TSSU was a great place to work, my job was to clean the instruments for the theatres. I remember a surgeon once invited me to walk round the wards with him as part of the team, he introduced me to patients and said I made a real difference to the workings of the hospital. “I am also so pleased that my family have made careers doing all sorts of different jobs here in Sheffield and down in London. Happy Birthday NHS!”
Our second story comes from Malcolm Littlewood, Interim Head of Procurement Projects at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Malcolm, who will turn 75 this year alongside the NHS, will celebrate an amazing 55 years of NHS Service in 2023. Malcolm started his career in 1969 at the age of 20 as a Clerical Officer in Supplies for Middlewood Hospital in Sheffield.
“Back then the hospital was a like a little village with its own butchers, car wash and gardens. I stumbled into the job as a young man looking for work but enjoyed
it so much I continued to work in NHS Procurement across the region for the next five decades.”
Malcolm went on to become Head of Procurement for a number of NHS Trusts including Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS), Tameside, Chesterfield and Sheffield Health and Social Care before taking up his current post after retiring (and getting bored!) two years ago.
“I’ve been around as long as the NHS and I’d like to think that I have always kept the patients we serve in mind throughout my roles. Things have changed in terms of technology helping us out but the overall principals of good procurement have not changed over the years.”
Natalie Jones, Clinical Academic Occupational Therapist has received a national accolade for her outstanding contribution to the profession for her pioneering research into psychological and social aspects of life after a stroke, national accolade for her outstanding contribution to the profession.
Natalie was awarded a Royal Occupational Therapists’ Merit Award in recognition of her “positive influence nationally and internationally as a clinical academic, researcher and professional lead for services”. Natalie, whose career in the NHS spans 28 years, received the accolade for her research on aspects of stroke rehabilitation including eating and drinking skills and using innovative technologies to enhance patient care.
Professor James Catto has been honoured with a 'Life Time Achievement Award' from the European Association of Urology in recognition of his longstanding and important contribution to urological practice and care.
surgery to South Yorkshire, and has made a significant difference to the lives of many people living with urological conditions affecting the kidney, prostate, and bladder.
Natalie said: “Throughout my career I have been driven to make a meaningful contribution to improving the lives of stroke survivors and advancing the evidence base for my profession, so to be recognised and nominated by my colleagues in this way is true privilege."
Dr Daniele Bryden, a Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine, has been appointed as the new Dean of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine.
The Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine is responsible for the training and practice of intensive care doctors across the UK.
Dr Bryden has worked in intensive care medicine in Sheffield since 2001.
Dr Bryden said: "I hope to build on the respect intensive care medicine has as an indispensable medical specialty and focus on what is needed to create a stronger future.”
Professor Catto’s career and research spans 20 years, and includes 9 years as Editor-in-Chief of the EAU’s European Journal. He played a leading role in bringing revolutionary robotic
Professor Catto said: “I'm very proud of all we have achieved and hope this award is the start of many more exciting years of progress.”
Professor Jim Catto (right) is presented with the Frans Debruyne Life Time Achievement Award.
A rapid response cleaning team was one of only three in the country to be shortlisted for the Healthcare Cleaning Team of the Year at the My Cleaning Awards, run in association with NHS England.
The team was set up as part of a trial to help patient flow through the hospital, free up nursing
time and ensure ward beds are ready for the next patient as quickly as possible.
At one point they did 598 bed cleans in one four-week period, with the bed being ready for the next patient within less than an hour of a patient’s discharge in most cases. Their impact was described as “invaluable.”
Two projects were finalists in the Best International Recruitment Experience and the Best Workplace for Learning and Development Categories at the Nursing Times Workforce Summit Awards.
The first shortlisted project was an innovative international recruitment project in partnership with NHS
Professionals International which has resulted in over 600 nurses from overseas joining the Trust since the end of 2019. The second shortlisted entry is a bespoke education, training and development programme for newly qualified and aspiring nurse leaders. The programme has created a pipeline for the appointment of future leaders.
A team of scientists, clinicians and heart imaging specialists have received three award nominations for developing an artificial intelligence (AI) tool which is able to spot heart damage in seconds.
Healthcare scientists won two major award wins at the Chief Scientific Officer for England’s Excellence in Healthcare Awards.
Professor Wendy Tindale OBE, Scientific and Innovation Director, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her exceptional scientific contribution to healthcare innovation.
Tracy Cook, Education and Training Lead Diagnostic Cardiology, Tracey Murray, Lead Respiratory Physiologist and Sarah Kelly, Service Manager Gastrointestinal Physiology Department all won the Shirley Fletcher Apprenticeship Award. Professor Tindale was recognised for
her contribution to the delivery of a wide range of medical innovations including the introduction of hybrid imaging in the UK and the UK’s first 3D imaging laboratory in Sheffield. Healthcare science leads Tracy Cook, Tracey Murray and Sarah Kelly were awarded for rolling out an innovative training programme to equip healthcare scientists to meet the future demands of new community diagnostic centres.
Professor John NewellPrice, Honorary Consultant Physician and Endocrine Service lead, has been elected as President of the Endocrine Society – the leading international organisation for endocrinologists across the world.
He is the first President elected from outside the US in the Society’s 106-year history.
The accolade recognises Professor Newell-Price’s extensive expertise in pituitary and adrenal disorders, genetic endocrine disease, neuroendocrine tumours and cancer.
Professor Newell-Price said: “I am very fortunate to lead and work with exceptionally talented clinical colleagues delivering the full range of Specialised Endocrine care and patient support that has been externally rated as ‘world-leading’.”
The cutting-edge technology, called the AI segmentation of cardiac MRI to automate the measurement of cardiac function and volume technology, is a finalist in both the Digital Innovator of the Year and Optimising Clinical Pathways through Digital categories in the HSJ Digital Awards 2023. The team has also been shortlisted in the Future NHS category of the NHS Parliamentary Awards. The technology performs complex
mathematical calculations to measure blood flow in and out of the heart without the need for manual lengthy analysis. It is also the first AI tool to assess the particular heart muscle which is responsible for pumping blood from the body into the lungs. The super-fast analysis means that doctors have access to the information they need from MRI heart scans to understand how well the heart is pumping and check its health straight away, speeding up diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Andrew Swift, Consultant Cardiothoracic Radiologist, worked alongside Dr Samer Alabed, Dr Kavitasagary Karunasaagarar and Dr Pete Metherall to develop and test the software.
Kushboo Naik, a specialised catering dietitian, has been crowned the Hospital Caterers Association’s Rising Star of the Year.
The award recognises her exceptional commitment and outstanding contribution to hospital catering and patient nutrition. She uses her specialist dietary knowledge and skills to provide recipe analysis and advice on menu balance, including for patients on textured modified diets.
Initiatives Kush has been involved in include the development of podcasts to train staff on food
handling and meal preparation, pictorial menus, training days for nutrition champions and the installation of vending machines offering healthy snacks and drinks.
Researchers from Jessop Fertility have teamed up with scientists from the University of Sheffield on a brand new trial investigating the effect of a dietary supplement from tomatoes on men with fertility issues.
The team will look at the effect of a dietary compound called LactoLycopene on sperm quality in men attending fertility clinics. LactoLycopene was shown to improve sperm quality of healthy men by almost 40 per cent in previous research led by the University of Sheffield.
The new randomised study will now measure the effect of lycopene in men with fertility issues, and could transform the outlook for men with fertility problems. For further information about the study email lucy.wood12@nhs.net.
The Trust is playing a leading role in a major trial assessing the use of smart technologies to support the recovery of heart attack patients.
STH, along with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, is trialling new technology which will enable cardiac rehabilitation services to be delivered to patients in their own homes.
The technology, known as the Digitally Enhanced Rehabilitation in Cardiac
Patients (DERIC) care platform, uses a Fitbit smartwatch to help patients measure heart
rate, rhythm and physical activity and plugs into a mobile app following a heart attack, heart surgery or stent procedure. This information can then be accessed remotely by doctors, nurses and other health professionals as part of the patient’s care plan. The system could have the same benefits as current cardiac rehabilitation services, but also has the potential to improve the cardiovascular health and well-being of harder to reach groups.
Sheffield researchers are using pioneering technology to exploit DNA repair in brain tumour cells to explore new treatments for fast-growing brain tumours.
New research conducted by researchers at the University of Sheffield in partnership with the Trust aims to find weaknesses in the ability of glioma cells, or cells found in the brain, to repair their DNA and survive treatment.
The research will explore why some cells from different locations within the same tumour can withstand chemotherapy and radiotherapy better than others. The researchers hope that
developing a cell-by-cell understanding of DNA repair mechanisms will improve the success of treatment and extend the lives of those living with a glioblastoma.
Glioblastoma is a rare form of brain cancer that affects about 3,000 patients in the UK each year.
Study lead Dr Ola Rominiyi said: “We hope that by understanding the different cells within a tumour, as well as the cells which spread to nearby brain tissue, we can find ways to effectively switch off DNA repair in the cells, which will help to re-route the cancerous cells and improve patient outcomes and survival.”
An accessible garden designed for patients at the Princess Royal Spinal Injuries Centre has been awarded the coveted Best in Show title at Chelsea Flower Show.
Designed by Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg for Horatio’s Garden, the UK-based charity that nurtures wellbeing after spinal injury in vibrant sanctuaries in NHS spinal centres, Horatio’s Garden Chelsea is an adaptive garden that puts the priorities of all those with different mobility needs at its heart.
The garden will be relocated to the Spinal Cord Injuries Centre in Sheffield in 2024. It will be eight times the size of the Chelsea show garden. Prof. Chris Morley, Chief Nurse, said: “This will provide a fantastic space for our patients to get away from the wards and into nature. It is really important for this group of patients as the nature of their recovery means they usually spend long periods of time in hospital.”
The garden is the antithesis of a busy, clinical hospital setting with every element being informed by the experiences of patients with spinal injuries.
Planting is layered to accommodate different ways of seeing, a garden room provides welcome relief from the busy ward. Smooth, cement-free terrazzo paths are patient-friendly, environmentally-friendly and aesthetically beautiful, with a 77 percent reduced carbon footprint compared to regular cement.
Five new cycle shelters have been installed at both the Royal Hallamshire and Northern General hospitals, providing more than 200 extra spaces for bikes.
The new shelters are secure and covered. Locations are:
Royal Hallamshire
• A road
• B Road
• Jessops/rear of Sunshine Day Nursery
• Broomcross Building
• Jessops/WPH Link bridge
Northern General
• Bev Stokes
• Coleridge Lane
• Labs
• Firth Close
• Vickers Corridor entrance 20
To register for access please email sth.travelplanning@nhs.net.
Volunteers attend Royal Garden Party
Two of our fabulous volunteers attended a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the Voluntary Services team's receipt of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Alan Revill (NGH Pharmacy volunteer) and Alan Carr (from Sheffield Open Heart Club) represented all the Trust volunteers who were recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service last year – the equivalent of an MBE.
Are you looking to take the next step in your career? Or do you have friends and family looking for a job opportunity?
Check out our jobs bulletin which lists some of the latest vacancies within the Trust. You can view it on our careers website: brilliantplace.sth.nhs.uk
The site also contains a wealth of information about career paths, apprenticeships, volunteering, staff benefits and more. Find out why STH is a brilliant place to work.
A nursing apprentice has been named as a winner at the 2023 South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards.
Trainee Nursing Associate, Gurpreet (Preet) Singh, won the ‘Health and Public Service Apprentice of the Year’ category of the annual awards –which celebrate outstanding apprentices across our region.
Preet works on Ward G2 at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, where he supports the nursing team to care for elderly patients with a wide range of health conditions, including strokes.
We have been ranked as one of Stonewall’s top 100 employers, achieving a gold award which recognises our commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ staff and patients.
We were praised in particular for our work creating a workplace where LGBTQ+ employees can bring their full selves to work.
Kirsten Major, Chief Executive said: “We want everyone to have a voice, to feel they belong and to be equally valued and important.
“Valued staff are happier staff and that contributes to providing the best care for our patients. The work of our LGBTQ+ PROUDER staff network and our teams and services across the organisation is all helping to create a culture where staff feel supported and are encouraged to be themselves with their colleagues and our patients.”
Preet’s apprenticeship sees him working towards becoming a qualified Nursing Associate. This is a relatively new nursing role, where he spends four days a week working alongside qualified nurses and healthcare support workers, and one day studying at The University of Sheffield.
He said: “In my last job when I was a support worker in A&E, I really enjoyed supporting,
getting to know and chatting to patients. Since moving to the UK from India 18 years ago, my heart has always been in Sheffield. My wife also works at the Trust, so when I saw the apprenticeship at the Royal Hallamshire come up, it just felt the right time to move on and polish the skills I’d learnt even further.
“Training to be a Nursing Associate through the apprenticeship route has been really helpful and I’d recommend it to anyone. You’re working and studying while you’re earning, which makes things so much easier when you have a family and day-to-day life.”
Preet was nominated for the award by his apprenticeship coordinator, Razia Fulat.
She said: “Since starting here, Preet has really pushed himself to achieve and overcome challenges. When he began his apprenticeship, he was a little worried about university and studying, as English isn’t his first language. Despite this he reached out to get extra support through the university and has passed all his academic work first time, which is fantastic.”
Preet has also helped to promote the Trainee Nursing Associate role to others, including at careers fairs, the university, and nationally with Health Education England.
We are delighted to announce that we have welcomed twenty new Midwives to our wards at the Jessop Wing over the past few months.
The newly qualified Midwives have each undergone three years’ training to earn their degree in Midwifery and have completed an intensive induction period. We also welcome four International Midwives who have joined us from
overseas. The Midwives will now rotate around the wards at Jessop Wing on a four weekly basis to consolidate their clinical skills whilst supporting families during their most special moments.
Newly Qualified Midwife Hafsa Deria said: “I wanted to work at Sheffield after completing my training here at Jessop Wing, the staff have been very supportive and welcoming."
It is now possible to purchase art by a renowned local artist, own a piece of Blades history AND support pioneering prostate cancer research in Sheffield.
Sheffield Hospitals Charity Ambassador, Joe Scarbrough has combined his passion for art with his love of football to create his latest oil painting, Up the Blades.
There are 500 signed canvases and 100 prints available for purchase. £15.00 from each sale will be donated to Sheffield Hospitals Charity’s Prostate Cancer Research Appeal.
The original painting will be auctioned on the
30 June 2023 at 07:00 PM and 20% of the proceeds will go towards the appeal.
Lifelong Blade Joe had no hesitation in creating the artwork to celebrate Sheffield United clinching promotion to the top tier of English football for the second time in five years – much to the delight of fans.
Joe said: "It was a real labour of love celebrating the lads' wonderful achievement on canvas, and the fact that it will raise money for Sheffield Hospital Charity is the icing on the cake. Everyone is a winner."
To place a bid or make a purchase visit joescarboroughart.co.uk
Thomas Newton, from Dronfield, celebrated his 18th birthday by returning to the hospital where he was cared for during the first four months of his life.
Born prematurely in 2005 weighing just 2 pounds and 1 ounce, Thomas spent the first few months of his life on the neonatal intensive care unit at the Jessop Wing.
Thomas’s mother, Fiona, was admitted to hospital with pre-eclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure and resulted in Thomas being delivered by emergency caesarean at just 27 weeks.
He spent a total of 102 days on the neonatal intensive care unit until he was finally able to return home in August of that year.
Thomas, who has plans to go to university later this year, visited with his father, Richard Newton, to thank staff and see the place where he was born.
Thomas and Richard met Tracey Burton, Senior Sister, and Lisa Lincoln, who cared for Thomas when he was born.
Richard said: “We really got to know the staff at the Jessop Wing whilst Thomas was in hospital and that made our experience so much easier. We became friends and eventually it didn’t even feel like we were in hospital, it felt like we were with family. 18 years later and we still keep in touch with some of the team that looked after Thomas.”
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Small registered charity providing quality care in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
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In house entertainment and outings provided at no extra cost.
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